About the author (1984)

Colin Thubron is an acknowledged master of travel writing. His first books were about the Middle East--Damascus, Lebanon, and Cyprus. In 1982 he traveled in the Soviet Union, pursued by the KGB. From these early experiences developed his great travel books on the landmass that makes up Russia and Asia: "Among the Russians"; "Behind the Wall: A Journey through China"; "The Lost Heart of Asia"; "In Siberia"; and most recently, "Shadow of the Silk Road".

Colin Thubron is an award-winning novelist as well as, arguably, the most admired travel writer of our time. He lives in London.